Details about the offer

Have you applied to other universities you consider very close, ‘on par’ or even better than oxbridge? (Ivies, Sorbonne, LSE..others for different subjects) N/A

Have you met the offer? grades pending/unknown

Decisions about the application

For what reasons did you apply to Oxbridge?

It’s the best place you can study, as well as the only place for my subject. I like the college system and it was worth a try.

How did you decide between Oxford and Cambridge?

Initially because I preferred the city of Cambridge and the atmosphere and when I’d decided which subject to take I found that only Cambridge did it anyway.

Why did you choose this college/make an open application?

It’s got a good reputation for music, it’s medium-sized, on the riverbank and in the centre. Mainly though, I looked up the directors of studies for ASNaC and matched my interests with the director at St Catz

Preparation

Did your school/college give you any extra tuition or help prior to your interview or application? yes

Mock interviews with other applicants and information sheets.

Do you have any advice for future applicants in terms of preparation?

The form: Write as much as you can in the extra information box – it makes them feel special.

The interview: Try and relax, it is an enjoyable experience, particularly for such an obscure subject, as it’s hard to find someone who is interested in and knows what your talking about, but these people do. Also they’re really encouraging and not out to get you. Know your personal statement back to front and be prepared to discuss any books you mention in depth. Get the booklist and read as many as you can. Show enthusiasm, as its the main thing they’re looking for. Oh and go to an ASNaC open day.

Interview

Did you have to sit any pre-interview exams (LNAT/BMAT/..)? no

Did you have to submit any written work prior to the interview? no

Did you have to take any exams as part of your interview(s)? no

How was/were in general your interview(s)?

I had 2 20 minute interviews, both of which went really well.Its odd, but I enjoyed them.

What questions were you asked during your interview(s)?

In the general one I got all the obvious ones like why my subject, why cambridge etc etc. Also a basic review of everything i’d written in my personal statement, such as detaield discussion of a book which i had studied at AS level English lit. Current affairs came up (the firefighter’s strike) as well as questions about my hobbies, like what do you think you’ve gained from being n an orchestra and what’s better about classical music than the charts?! In the academic interview I had 2 professors who were both really nice and encouraging. They asked me so much, about how French and German relate to the subject and why dead languages are relevant today. Also discussions about books I’d read, like Beowulf and icelandic sagas and something about archaeology.

What did you wear to your interview(s), and why?

Black trousers, black shoes and a purple jumper.

Impressions

What was your general impression of the college that you applied to/any others you visited?

I didn’t really see much of the college I applied to, but I did like the look of Queen’s and Trinity and Clare.

How did you find the tutors in the college?

The two who interviewed me couldn’t have been nicer.

Final stage

Please describe what happened when you received the letter/the call telling you whether you had a place or not.

I got a letter telling me i’d been pooled and then three days later I got a letter telling me that I had been offered a place from my original choice of college and that it’s normal for a small subject – it was a relief.

Looking back

If you were to re-live that year of your life again, would you still apply?

Of course I would, I got an offer!

What advice do you have for potential applicants based on your experiences?

Don’t underestimate the importance of the interview, if your grades aren’t all As it’s still worth applying. Also go to an open day (did I mention that already?)

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